Pregnancy is a journey filled with hope, care, and regular medical checkups. Among the most important milestones are ultrasound scans, which provide critical information about both the mother’s health and the baby’s development. Each scan has a specific purpose, from confirming early viability to detecting serious abnormalities or planning delivery.

Here’s a detailed guide on the five essential pregnancy scans and why they matter.

Early Pregnancy Scan (Dating & Viability) – 6 to 9 weeks

This is often the first scan, confirming whether the pregnancy is in the uterus and ruling out life-threatening ectopic pregnancy. Doctors also check for the baby’s heartbeat and establish an accurate due date.

If abnormal:

• No heartbeat may indicate a miscarriage, requiring medical or surgical management.
• If ectopic pregnancy is detected, urgent treatment with medicine or surgery is necessary.

Nuchal Translucency (NT) Scan – 11 to 14 weeks

This scan screens for chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, and Patau syndrome. It provides crucial early information while the pregnancy is still in the first trimester.

If abnormal:

• Doctors may advise confirmatory tests such as Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis.
• If a chromosomal disorder is confirmed, parents may legally opt for termination before 20 weeks in many countries (depending on local laws).
• This is often the earliest stage where families can make informed decisions about continuation.

Anomaly Scan (Level II / Mid-Pregnancy Scan) – 18 to 22 weeks

Sometimes called the “big scan,” this is the most detailed look at the baby’s organs and structures. It checks the brain, heart, kidneys, limbs, and also the placenta and amniotic fluid.

If abnormal:

• Severe, life-incompatible abnormalities may lead doctors to recommend termination.
• Treatable conditions like cleft lip are managed with planned interventions after birth.
• In most countries, this scan represents the last legal window for abortion (20–24 weeks, depending on law).

Growth Scan – 28 to 32 weeks

This ultrasound checks whether the baby is growing properly, blood flow in the umbilical cord, and placenta health. It is crucial for identifying intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).

If abnormal:

• Doctors may recommend frequent monitoring or plan for early delivery by C-section.
• At this stage, termination is not permitted unless the mother’s life is at risk.

Late Pregnancy Scan – 36 to 38 weeks

This scan focuses on delivery planning. It confirms the baby’s position (head down or breech), amniotic fluid levels, placenta maturity, and cord placement.

If abnormal:

• Breech babies may require external turning or planned C-section.
• Low fluid or placenta issues may result in induction or emergency delivery.

Key Insights for Expectant Mothers

• NT Scan (11–14 weeks): Early chance to detect chromosomal abnormalities and make decisions.
• Anomaly Scan (18–22 weeks): Last major window for identifying severe abnormalities and considering legal termination.
• Later Scans (after 24 weeks): Primarily used for monitoring growth, safety, and planning safe delivery, not termination.

For families, knowing the importance of each scan helps reduce anxiety and prepare for every stage of pregnancy. As doctors emphasize, timely scans save lives by catching complications early and ensuring the best possible care for both mother and baby.